Tasty Old Cabbagehttp://tastyoldcabbage.com
When in Korea ... new home. new duty station. kimchi!Sun, 24 Aug 2014 10:17:05 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1When in Korea ... new home. new duty station. kimchi!Tasty Old CabbagecleanWhen in Korea ... new home. new duty station. kimchi!Tasty Old Cabbagehttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpghttp://tastyoldcabbage.com
TV-GWeekly57742146018 Tools for overcoming challenges that come with living in Korea – Intro to Resiliency series with Evie Ann Kinghttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/018-tools-overcoming-challenges-come-living-korea-intro-resiliency-series-evie-ann-king/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/018-tools-overcoming-challenges-come-living-korea-intro-resiliency-series-evie-ann-king/#commentsSun, 24 Aug 2014 10:09:05 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=344Join me as I dive into the psychology behind adapting to a new life in Korea. My special guest is Evie Ann King, a Master Resiliency Trainer and coach, who will provide us with tools and methods that help overcome difficult times here in Korea (and in every part of life really). This is the […]

]]>Join me as I dive into the psychology behind adapting to a new life in Korea. My special guest is Evie Ann King, a Master Resiliency Trainer and coach, who will provide us with tools and methods that help overcome difficult times here in Korea (and in every part of life really).

This is the kick off to a series of episodes highlighting different tools and methods.

Thank you Evie for being a guest on my show and for sharing your knowledge with us!

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/018-tools-overcoming-challenges-come-living-korea-intro-resiliency-series-evie-ann-king/feed/1Join me as I dive into the psychology behind adapting to a new life in Korea. My special guest is Evie Ann King, a Master Resiliency Trainer and coach, who will provide us with tools and methods that help overcome difficult times here in Korea (and in...Join me as I dive into the psychology behind adapting to a new life in Korea. My special guest is Evie Ann King, a Master Resiliency Trainer and coach, who will provide us with tools and methods that help overcome difficult times here in Korea (and in every part of life really). This is the […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean344017 Why I Took A Short Break From Podcasting & Want To Pack My Bags And Leave Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/017/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/017/#commentsMon, 31 Mar 2014 07:37:57 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=341In this episode I share with you what kept me away from podcasting fro the past 2 months and how this reason was connected to me wanting to pack up my bags and leave Korea. Life in Korea is challenging, especially for us foreigners who come here as teachers. I am so lucky that we […]

]]>In this episode I share with you what kept me away from podcasting fro the past 2 months and how this reason was connected to me wanting to pack up my bags and leave Korea.

Life in Korea is challenging, especially for us foreigners who come here as teachers. I am so lucky that we at least have some access to home by being able to get our hands on some American food or house items thanks to commissaries and the PX. It would be so much harder without that access. That being said, living here is can be an amazing adventure when you just keep focused on the positive things. That attitude will help you get over the tougher things and situations that come with living here.

Now I experienced a little “bump” in that attitude and started to get overwhelmed with the tough side of life here. Check out this episode to find out the reason behind that attitude-bump

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/017/feed/1In this episode I share with you what kept me away from podcasting fro the past 2 months and how this reason was connected to me wanting to pack up my bags and leave Korea. Life in Korea is challenging, especially for us foreigners who come here as tea...In this episode I share with you what kept me away from podcasting fro the past 2 months and how this reason was connected to me wanting to pack up my bags and leave Korea. Life in Korea is challenging, especially for us foreigners who come here as teachers. I am so lucky that we […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean23:33341016 My Top 3 Resources For Learning Korean Onlinehttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/learningkorean/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/learningkorean/#commentsWed, 05 Feb 2014 02:04:13 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=332Interested in learning some Korean? Then check out these great resources! Happy studying! Jessy www.koreanchamp.com www.sweetandtastytv.com www.talktomeinkorean.com

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/learningkorean/feed/4Interested in learning some Korean? Then check out these great resources! Happy studying! Jessy www.koreanchamp.com www.sweetandtastytv.com www.talktomeinkorean.comInterested in learning some Korean? Then check out these great resources! Happy studying! Jessy www.koreanchamp.com www.sweetandtastytv.com www.talktomeinkorean.comTasty Old Cabbageclean332015 How Koreans Confuse Us (In Scary, Funny And Challenging Ways) – My Top Pickshttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/015-koreans-confuse-us-scary-funny-challenging-ways-top-picks/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/015-koreans-confuse-us-scary-funny-challenging-ways-top-picks/#respondFri, 31 Jan 2014 03:40:49 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=330Moving to Korea means dealing with cultural differences no matter what country you moved here from. In this episode I pick top 13 funny, scary and challenging things that Koreans do that will definitely confuse you 😉 Happy getting over it! Jessy sources mentioned in the show: Nowon 24 hour Animal Hospital: GPS friendly: Seoul, […]

]]>Moving to Korea means dealing with cultural differences no matter what country you moved here from. In this episode I pick top 13 funny, scary and challenging things that Koreans do that will definitely confuse you

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/015-koreans-confuse-us-scary-funny-challenging-ways-top-picks/feed/0Moving to Korea means dealing with cultural differences no matter what country you moved here from. In this episode I pick top 13 funny, scary and challenging things that Koreans do that will definitely confuse you 😉 Happy getting over it!Moving to Korea means dealing with cultural differences no matter what country you moved here from. In this episode I pick top 13 funny, scary and challenging things that Koreans do that will definitely confuse you 😉 Happy getting over it! Jessy sources mentioned in the show: Nowon 24 hour Animal Hospital: GPS friendly: Seoul, […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean46:06330014 My Top 9 Ways To Confuse A Korean Big Timehttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/014-top-9-ways-confuse-korean-big-time/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/014-top-9-ways-confuse-korean-big-time/#respondWed, 22 Jan 2014 02:10:50 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=323Ever wondered how to confuse a Korean? I did! That is why I present you with 9 fabulous ways to make a Korean stare, startle or not believing their ears or eyes 😉 —–> how to say “I am a vegetarian” in Korean? = this is the translation I got from my Korean friend: I'm […]

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/014-top-9-ways-confuse-korean-big-time/feed/0Ever wondered how to confuse a Korean? I did! That is why I present you with 9 fabulous ways to make a Korean stare, startle or not believing their ears or eyes 😉 —–> how to say “I am a vegetarian” in Korean?Ever wondered how to confuse a Korean? I did! That is why I present you with 9 fabulous ways to make a Korean stare, startle or not believing their ears or eyes 😉 —–> how to say “I am a vegetarian” in Korean? = this is the translation I got from my Korean friend: I'm […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean323013 Taking A Trip To LOTTE World Theme Park & Department Store – Recommendations And Pointershttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/013-taking-trip-lotte-world-theme-park-department-store-recommendations-pointers/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/013-taking-trip-lotte-world-theme-park-department-store-recommendations-pointers/#commentsTue, 14 Jan 2014 10:33:53 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=256In this episode my guest, Dani, and I share our thoughts on our trip to LOTTE World Adventure. We recommend rides, restaurants, cool spots for picture taking and foods. We also discuss the popularity of the LOTTE company and its magnitude. Listen in as we talk, laugh and get interrupted by random Koreans in Dani’s […]

]]>In this episode my guest, Dani, and I share our thoughts on our trip to LOTTE World Adventure. We recommend rides, restaurants, cool spots for picture taking and foods. We also discuss the popularity of the LOTTE company and its magnitude.

Listen in as we talk, laugh and get interrupted by random Koreans in Dani’s apartment. You’ll find what this means and what it has to do with being able to trust in Korea.

Side note: your entrance fee covers most of the rides, however, for some (like the Haunted House) you have to pay extra.

Tip: Look out for discounts online http://global.lotteworld.com/main.asp, bring your passport (for possible foreigner discount), look out for discounts through the military (if you are here as a soldier or dependent)

by train: Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 8), Exit 4.

exciting shopping decorations in LOTTE world department store

Castle with German flags in LOTTE Adventure park

random car model with lashes and a big bow.. soooo Korean! you have to embrace it

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/013-taking-trip-lotte-world-theme-park-department-store-recommendations-pointers/feed/1In this episode my guest, Dani, and I share our thoughts on our trip to LOTTE World Adventure. We recommend rides, restaurants, cool spots for picture taking and foods. We also discuss the popularity of the LOTTE company and its magnitude.In this episode my guest, Dani, and I share our thoughts on our trip to LOTTE World Adventure. We recommend rides, restaurants, cool spots for picture taking and foods. We also discuss the popularity of the LOTTE company and its magnitude. Listen in as we talk, laugh and get interrupted by random Koreans in Dani’s […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean32:08256012 Samcheongdong – My Favorite Place In Seoulhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/012-samcheongdong-favorite-place-seoul/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/012-samcheongdong-favorite-place-seoul/#respondTue, 07 Jan 2014 01:09:58 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=270Samcheongdong is the place to be. A magical place where the old meets the new, a microcosm of art, fashion, Korean culture, history and political power paired with boutique style shops and delicious and international cuisine. A must- go- visit destination while being in Korea! Recommendations: 1). ogada Korean Tea & time tea house (have […]

Samcheongdong is the place to be. A magical place where the old meets the new, a microcosm of art, fashion, Korean culture, history and political power paired with boutique style shops and delicious and international cuisine.

A must- go- visit destination while being in Korea!

Recommendations:

1). ogada Korean Tea & time tea house (have monitors in their tea tables to browse the web),

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/012-samcheongdong-favorite-place-seoul/feed/0Samcheongdong is the place to be. A magical place where the old meets the new, a microcosm of art, fashion, Korean culture, history and political power paired with boutique style shops and delicious and international cuisine.Samcheongdong is the place to be. A magical place where the old meets the new, a microcosm of art, fashion, Korean culture, history and political power paired with boutique style shops and delicious and international cuisine. A must- go- visit destination while being in Korea! Recommendations: 1). ogada Korean Tea & time tea house (have […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean24:25270011 Christmas And Winter In Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/011-christmas-winter-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/011-christmas-winter-korea/#respondWed, 11 Dec 2013 10:49:47 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=253Do Koreans celebrate Christmas? What does winter in Korea look like? This and much more you will learn about in this episode. If you plan a trip to Singapore then check out Alex Thio’s podcast ‘Coming to Singapore’ in iTunes or on his website www.comingtosingapore.com

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/011-christmas-winter-korea/feed/0Do Koreans celebrate Christmas? What does winter in Korea look like? This and much more you will learn about in this episode. If you plan a trip to Singapore then check out Alex Thio’s podcast ‘Coming to Singapore’ in iTunes or on his website www.Do Koreans celebrate Christmas? What does winter in Korea look like? This and much more you will learn about in this episode. If you plan a trip to Singapore then check out Alex Thio’s podcast ‘Coming to Singapore’ in iTunes or on his website www.comingtosingapore.comTasty Old Cabbageclean21:07253010 Bringing Your Dog To Korea, Traveling Here Seperately, Online Apartment Huntinghttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/010-bringing-dog-korea-traveling-seperately-online-apartment-hunting/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/010-bringing-dog-korea-traveling-seperately-online-apartment-hunting/#respondTue, 03 Dec 2013 14:54:41 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=250Do you plan on bringing your dog? Do you ask yourself what’s better: traveling here together or seperately? Did you receive your orders to come here and now want to start apartment hunting online although it’s still 6 months until you will actually set foot on Korean soil? Then this episode is for you! Thank […]

]]>Do you plan on bringing your dog?
Do you ask yourself what’s better: traveling here together or seperately?
Did you receive your orders to come here and now want to start apartment hunting online although it’s still 6 months until you will actually set foot on Korean soil?

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/010-bringing-dog-korea-traveling-seperately-online-apartment-hunting/feed/0Do you plan on bringing your dog? Do you ask yourself what’s better: traveling here together or seperately? Did you receive your orders to come here and now want to start apartment hunting online although it’s still 6 months until you will actually set...Do you plan on bringing your dog? Do you ask yourself what’s better: traveling here together or seperately? Did you receive your orders to come here and now want to start apartment hunting online although it’s still 6 months until you will actually set foot on Korean soil? Then this episode is for you! Thank […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean25:48250009 Personal Space And Awareness Of One’s Surroundings – Challenges Part IIhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/009-personal-space-awareness-ones-surroundings-challenges-part-ii/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/009-personal-space-awareness-ones-surroundings-challenges-part-ii/#commentsFri, 22 Nov 2013 11:30:58 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=244This is part II of my series about challenges (although a very entertaining one) and it has to do with the concept of personal space here in Korea. Episode 009 is tightly connected to a blogpost that I released a couple of days ago. You can check it out here: http://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/ I also drew this comic […]

]]>This is part II of my series about challenges (although a very entertaining one) and it has to do with the concept of personal space here in Korea. Episode 009 is tightly connected to a blogpost that I released a couple of days ago. You can check it out here: http://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/

I also drew this comic about my experience with a Korean guy’s NON-awareness of his surroundings and show the way a proper German reacts to it

Posing happily in the rain at a popular Korean sight. A Korean guy approaches with a giant (!) umbrella…

“MAY THE KOREAN TOILET GHOST HAUNT YOU FOREVER!! Grrrrrr”

Sometimes it seems to us “foreigners” as if Koreans are not aware of what happens around them, which might sometimes be very much the truth. However, it just feels like they don’t bother with curtesy in the street too much given that they life in a small country of roughly 50 million people..

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/009-personal-space-awareness-ones-surroundings-challenges-part-ii/feed/1This is part II of my series about challenges (although a very entertaining one) and it has to do with the concept of personal space here in Korea. Episode 009 is tightly connected to a blogpost that I released a couple of days ago.This is part II of my series about challenges (although a very entertaining one) and it has to do with the concept of personal space here in Korea. Episode 009 is tightly connected to a blogpost that I released a couple of days ago. You can check it out here: http://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/ I also drew this comic […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean19:38244The Koreans’ concept of personal space – why getting run over or bumped into is guaranteed in Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/#commentsMon, 18 Nov 2013 09:08:00 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=235When Koreans cut you off in line (especially by ajeemas, the older Korean ladies), hit you with their umbrella or don’t hold the door open for you then DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! They do it to each other too. Also, let’s pretend you have a problem with the ticket machine in the train station and […]

]]>When Koreans cut you off in line (especially by ajeemas, the older Korean ladies), hit you with their umbrella or don’t hold the door open for you then DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!

They do it to each other too.

Also, let’s pretend you have a problem with the ticket machine in the train station and you try to figure it out with the help of a train station guard. Be prepared to have all eyes on you. Koreans are not shy when it comes to staring. In this case (which happened to me) they will come up close, almost resting their chin on my shoulder, to listen and witeness the situation. At first I thought they would wanna help but… nope.. they just wanted to know what’s going on.

On a rainy day – watch out for those dangerous umbrellas.

Sometimes people here lack the awareness of space and would not pay attention to the others in the street. That’s exactly when I usually get hit by an umbrella

Their concept of personal space and awareness of their surroundings are different from ours. This is because they live in a CRAZILY CROWDED country: worldpopulationreview.com states that “South Korea is known for its population density which is more than 10 times the global average.”
—– More than 10 times the global average (!!!) ——–

it’s not you – it’s just ‘the Korean way’

It happens to me here all the time that some Koreans bump into me, step on my foot, close the door in my face, hijack the seat on the crowded train that I already made an attempt to take over or cut the line at Daiso (famous Korean dollar store) pretending I wasn’t already putting my goods down for the casher to process… (that is when I am tempted to give them my best German stink eye)

Unbelievable things like that WILL happen to you and you WILL get frustrated, however, always keep in mind it’s not you, it’s just ‘the Korean way’.

You are one out of 49,158,901 in a country that is slightly larger than the U.S. state Indiana.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/personalspaceinkorea/feed/1235008 Staying Connected Over Long Distances – Apps And Creative Ways To Stay In Touch With Family And Friends Back Homehttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/008-staying-connected-long-distances-apps-creative-ways-stay-touch-family-friends-back-home/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/008-staying-connected-long-distances-apps-creative-ways-stay-touch-family-friends-back-home/#respondFri, 15 Nov 2013 11:02:42 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=231How do you stay in touch from so far away? Here are some suggestions about which Apps can help you to text and call for your family and friends back home for free or very cheap. I also brought my great friend Dani on the show to talk to me about Red Stamp an App […]

]]>How do you stay in touch from so far away? Here are some suggestions about which Apps can help you to text and call for your family and friends back home for free or very cheap.
I also brought my great friend Dani on the show to talk to me about Red Stamp an App she recently discovered that has helped her to personalize postcards and send ten of them home at the same time from her phone.

We also talk about how blogging can help you to update everyone at home and how to deal with those friends and family members who always expect you to be the one who reaches out.

Enjoy today’s episode and don’t forget to stay connected and tune in next time!

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/008-staying-connected-long-distances-apps-creative-ways-stay-touch-family-friends-back-home/feed/0How do you stay in touch from so far away? Here are some suggestions about which Apps can help you to text and call for your family and friends back home for free or very cheap. I also brought my great friend Dani on the show to talk to me about Red St...How do you stay in touch from so far away? Here are some suggestions about which Apps can help you to text and call for your family and friends back home for free or very cheap. I also brought my great friend Dani on the show to talk to me about Red Stamp an App […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean31:26231007 Interview – Teaching And Living in Korea, International Health Care Center, Love Motels, Food, Busan, Safety, Travelhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/wik-007-interview-teaching-living-korea-international-clinic-love-motels-food-busan-safety-travel/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/wik-007-interview-teaching-living-korea-international-clinic-love-motels-food-busan-safety-travel/#respondFri, 08 Nov 2013 09:18:33 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=207In this episode of the WiK podcast I get to talk to my friends and ESL teachers in Korea, Sadie and Nora, about teaching and living in Korea, medical care, love motels, food, Busan, safety and travel. Side note: Sadie mentioned that most Korean apartments don’t have ovens. While that is true the newer apartment […]

]]>In this episode of the WiK podcast I get to talk to my friends and ESL teachers in Korea, Sadie and Nora, about teaching and living in Korea, medical care, love motels, food, Busan, safety and travel.

Side note: Sadie mentioned that most Korean apartments don’t have ovens. While that is true the newer apartment complexes have ovens and most Americans manage to find a place to live that has an oven in the kitchen (although it might be a smaller one lol). TIP: So when you are out hunting for apartments look out for those with a dishwasher and an oven.

This site is a great way of linking up with people and finding others with the same interests getting together in Korea: www.meetup.com I have been a member now for almost a year and love that Nora and Sadie pointed this resource out. This site connects many people world wide.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/wik-007-interview-teaching-living-korea-international-clinic-love-motels-food-busan-safety-travel/feed/0In this episode of the WiK podcast I get to talk to my friends and ESL teachers in Korea, Sadie and Nora, about teaching and living in Korea, medical care, love motels, food, Busan, safety and travel. Side note: Sadie mentioned that most Korean apartme...In this episode of the WiK podcast I get to talk to my friends and ESL teachers in Korea, Sadie and Nora, about teaching and living in Korea, medical care, love motels, food, Busan, safety and travel. Side note: Sadie mentioned that most Korean apartments don’t have ovens. While that is true the newer apartment […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean207006 Halloween In Korea – Superstitions, Traditions, Ghosts And Other Creatureshttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/006-halloween-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/006-halloween-korea/#respondThu, 31 Oct 2013 07:36:36 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=198Do Koreans celebrate Halloween? What are their superstitions and traditions that involve ghosts and other creatures? These questions and more will be tackled in this When in Korea… – Halloween episode. Have a fabulous and spooky Halloween 2013 everyone! Jessy Freesound.org attribution: Follow Me Halloween_7_0.mp3 by User burninvernon

]]>Do Koreans celebrate Halloween? What are their superstitions and traditions that involve ghosts and other creatures? These questions and more will be tackled in this When in Korea… – Halloween episode.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/006-halloween-korea/feed/0Do Koreans celebrate Halloween? What are their superstitions and traditions that involve ghosts and other creatures? These questions and more will be tackled in this When in Korea… – Halloween episode. Have a fabulous and spooky Halloween 2013 everyone...Do Koreans celebrate Halloween? What are their superstitions and traditions that involve ghosts and other creatures? These questions and more will be tackled in this When in Korea… – Halloween episode. Have a fabulous and spooky Halloween 2013 everyone! Jessy Freesound.org attribution: Follow Me Halloween_7_0.mp3 by User burninvernonTasty Old Cabbageclean28:43198Shopping fabric in Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/shopping-fabric-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/shopping-fabric-korea/#commentsThu, 31 Oct 2013 01:54:10 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=181This post is for all of you with DIY skills out there. Are you one of the gifted people out there who know how to sew? Wow, I am jealous 😉 It’s truly an acquired skill and not mastered easily (at least not for me). Here is my insight on shopping fabric in Korea for […]

]]>This post is for all of you with DIY skills out there.
Are you one of the gifted people out there who know how to sew? Wow, I am jealous It’s truly an acquired skill and not mastered easily (at least not for me). Here is my insight on shopping fabric in Korea for you.

As far as I have learned the number 1 place to go for fabric shopping is the Dongdaemun market in Seoul. Here is a map of the area (that I found to be very useful before I went for the first time) which can be overwhelming due to its size: www.dongdaemun.com

However, if you don’t wanna travel all the way to Seoul try your local market. The markets usually have little fabric shop stalls. The shop owners do not only sell the fabric but also handcraft curtains, table runners or pillow cases for you. You don’t necessarily need to speak Korean to communicate which surprised me to be honest. The lady who I will ask to make a table runner for me spoke with hands and feet to explain to me what she needs in order to make the perfect table runner.

If you live in Area I, I can recommend to check out the Uijeongbu market. I went and took pictures of how you get to the fabric part of the market and also took some snapshots so you kind of get a feel for what to expect. Here we go:

Enter the shopping district behind the department store Shinsegae which is located right next to Uijeongbu train station. There is a horse statue and a “rodeo rider kind of statue” as well:

Here is a picture:

Start at that rodeo rider statue.

Then walk straight up the street between the “ba gooni” clothes shop an the rodeo rider. See pic:

You walk straight up that street until you see “Lovely Coffee” (on the 2nd floor) and “Collectte” (on 1st floor) on your RIGHT. See pic:

Right across from “Lovely Coffee” and “Colectte” you find the entrance to the fabric seller part of the market on your left and that’s where you find all the little fabric shops.

Here are some snapshots of what the fabrics I saw:

Sure, it’s not Dongdaemun but it shows that the local markets offer a selection of fabrics too. And that might prove to be just good enough for a last minute living room project

A big shout out to all of you people with craft skills out there. I am always impressed by all the DIY home projects I get to see. Pretty cool!

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/shopping-fabric-korea/feed/1181005 Moving Your Family To Area I, South Korea – Interview with Tracy, An Area I Momhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/005-moving-your-family-to-area-1-south-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/005-moving-your-family-to-area-1-south-korea/#respondThu, 24 Oct 2013 02:18:48 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=172Listen to Tracy, great friend of mine and Area 1 mom, and me talking about moving with your family to Korea, about safety, school, food and overall family experience in this foreign country. Come join in the fun as we record the first WiK podcast interview, laugh and reflect about life here as a foreigner. […]

]]>Listen to Tracy, great friend of mine and Area 1 mom, and me talking about moving with your family to Korea, about safety, school, food and overall family experience in this foreign country. Come join in the fun as we record the first WiK podcast interview, laugh and reflect about life here as a foreigner.

We also feature a third VERY SPECIAL guest who is a natural in front of the mic. So adorable.

And no, I didn’t actually cover Tracy in gold and put her in my closet… that would be weird.. just to mention something like that would be very weird… who would say something that?

(pictures: courtesy of Tracy and her family)

If you have any questions about bringing your family here, please send them my way and I will cover them in future episode or get back to you directly.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/005-moving-your-family-to-area-1-south-korea/feed/0Listen to Tracy, great friend of mine and Area 1 mom, and me talking about moving with your family to Korea, about safety, school, food and overall family experience in this foreign country. Come join in the fun as we record the first WiK podcast inter...Listen to Tracy, great friend of mine and Area 1 mom, and me talking about moving with your family to Korea, about safety, school, food and overall family experience in this foreign country. Come join in the fun as we record the first WiK podcast interview, laugh and reflect about life here as a foreigner. […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean31:40172When life in Korea really SU**Shttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/when-life-in-korea-really-sus/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/when-life-in-korea-really-sus/#commentsThu, 17 Oct 2013 03:25:09 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=162I am sorry for the choice of words in the title of the post. You won’t hear (or read) me speak like that very often, however, these days are different… I have to start a couple of days back in time with this story. A couple of weeks ago I got a text message from […]

]]>I am sorry for the choice of words in the title of the post. You won’t hear (or read) me speak like that very often, however, these days are different…

I have to start a couple of days back in time with this story.

A couple of weeks ago I got a text message from my sister in Germany. In that message she explained that our step mom had to be rushed to the ER and that they plan surgery due to the suspicion of bone cancer.

I was shocked.

Do you know that feeling when your gut turns into a tight knot? Everyone who knows me well knows that my emotions are tightly connected to my stomach. If I feel sad or angry my stomach starts to ache badly.

I felt helpless and scared. Due to the time difference I couldn’t even get my sister on the phone since it was nighttime for them. The time difference can be exhausting. It’s 7 hours to Germany where our German family and friends live and at least 13 hours to where our American family and friends are. Getting a hold of anyone during the week is pretty difficult.

It is a one or two day long travel to Germany and it takes two to three days to travel to our family on the East Coast from here (including the time to react to an emergency, book flights, plan for everything and the solid travel time).

And we haven’t even spoken of the money yet. Who cares in moments like that about the time spent on a plane, right? But the travels are expensive, especially the short notice ones..

My initial reaction was: I want to go and be with her to help her through the time of waiting for the results and distract her as much as one can distract a person with such worries.

Now all I could do from here instead was to wait, pray and see.. After the emergency surgery and a couple of days spent with worries we finally got to hear that it is not cancerous and that a couple of additional surgeries will take care of my step mom’s health.

No need to describe to you how relieved we were.

Today we woke up to an urgent sounding email from a close friend.

It just stated CALL ME in the subject line.

I immediately got that feeling in my stomach again. Within 15 minutes we managed to get connected with him. He informed us that his wife, mom of three and dear friend of ours got rushed to the ER. She is in the hospital now waiting for brain surgery and an updated evaluation on her health…

My stomach is sill aching from his call that we received hours ago and my mind is racing. I can’t tell you how helpless and restless we feel.

This is not about me, of course not!

It is about our dear friends that we want to travel to and be with in these difficult hours and days. However, it is not that we are separated by a state.. we are separated by landmasses and the Pacific Ocean.

THIS HAS GOT TO beone of the hardest things to go through when living that far away from your loved ones.

In my last podcast episode I started talking about challenges that come with a move to Korea. Now this one couldn’t wait for the next episode, this one I had to get out NOW.

We enjoy our life here a lot, however, we are far away from our loved ones. We can only show via telephone or video call how much we care and are there for them. This is close to torture, especially, when all you want to do is drive through the night to go and hug them, be there for them, watch their children, make ironic and inappropriate jokes about health and life together..

All we can do from here today is to send our love their way and keep them in our prayers and thoughts while we are waiting for news.

Please, if you move that far away from home (it could be anywhere. Not only Korea.) Just know that this is one of the biggest challenges that come with living your life far away from your loved ones.

What I will do today?

I will go outside and make this day count. I will be kind and understanding with the people who surround me because that’s what will go a long way.

I believe that this is like a butterfly effect: treating others like you want to be treated will be passed on and on and eventually reach our friends far away. Other people (may it be strangers or friends and family) will be there in person for them treating them as kindly as we would, helping them and supporting them through these rough times.

Also, always keep in mind that we are all far away from our loved ones being stationed here in Korea and that we need to be each other’s family and friends. Go make it count!

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/when-life-in-korea-really-sus/feed/1162004 Challenges Part 1 – Language Barrierhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/004-challenges-part-1-language-barrier/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/004-challenges-part-1-language-barrier/#commentsWed, 16 Oct 2013 12:40:18 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=159It is not always sunny in Korea and you will encounter a variety of obstacles, however, you will master them! In today’s episode I share with you the challenges that can come with a move to South Korea and are tightly connected to the language barrier. Of course, I am not leaving you with just […]

]]>It is not always sunny in Korea and you will encounter a variety of obstacles, however, you will master them!

In today’s episode I share with you the challenges that can come with a move to South Korea and are tightly connected to the language barrier. Of course, I am not leaving you with just the stories. Instead, I will pass on some good advice on how to overcome these hurdles.

Thank you to the online military spouse community who so openly answered my question about what challenges they are facing when they moved here.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/004-challenges-part-1-language-barrier/feed/2It is not always sunny in Korea and you will encounter a variety of obstacles, however, you will master them! In today’s episode I share with you the challenges that can come with a move to South Korea and are tightly connected to the language barrier....It is not always sunny in Korea and you will encounter a variety of obstacles, however, you will master them! In today’s episode I share with you the challenges that can come with a move to South Korea and are tightly connected to the language barrier. Of course, I am not leaving you with just […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean159Dragon’s Beard Candyhttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/dragons-beard-candy/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/dragons-beard-candy/#respondMon, 14 Oct 2013 02:15:29 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=138Do you like stories from ancient times and far away countries? Then you want to know about the Dragon’s Beard Candy one. The myth has it that Dragon Beard Candy made its debut in ancient China during the Han Dynasty when a court chef performed before the Emperor. The cook made candy out of sugar […]

]]>Do you like stories from ancient times and far away countries? Then you want to know about the Dragon’s Beard Candy one.

The myth has it that Dragon Beard Candy made its debut in ancient China during the Han Dynasty when a court chef performed before the Emperor. The cook made candy out of sugar (or honey) turned into a dough like consistency. He pulled and stretched the dough until thousands of fine and sticky strands of sugar appeared. He then wrapped peanuts or chocolate with the powdery strands.

Since the fine strands looked like hair to the Emperor and because they were sticky enough to stick on one’s chin, the Emperor gave it the name Dragon’s Beard Candy.

Maybe you tell your kids (or your spouse ;)) the story before you go take them to see how they make Dragon’s Beard Candy in Insadong (neighborhood of Seoul) and then prove them that it really can stick on your chin and looks like an old dragon’s beard (if you wanna impress any further please learn how to spit fire.) —>

Here are two videos I took of the guys making Dragon’s Beard Candy in the streets of Insadong. They don’t only show you how it’s made but also perform for you by singing and counting along. If you ask me how I like the candy I would honestly say “get the one with peanuts in it” and “It is interesting but will definitely not replace my favorite candy in the world: German chocolate”

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/dragons-beard-candy/feed/0138003 Ten Reasons Why You Have To Love Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/003-ten-reasons-why-you-have-to-love-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/003-ten-reasons-why-you-have-to-love-korea/#respondSat, 05 Oct 2013 02:08:34 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=112You have orders to come Korea or are already living here but don’t know much about the country and the abundance of exciting things to enjoy while being here? Then this episode is for you. I share ten reasons with you (although I could have gone on and on…) for why I fell in love […]

]]>You have orders to come Korea or are already living here but don’t know much about the country and the abundance of exciting things to enjoy while being here? Then this episode is for you.

I share ten reasons with you (although I could have gone on and on…) for why I fell in love with Korea.

links featured in the episode:

Whale watching in Ulsan: for more information on whale watching in Ulsan head over to www.ulsanonline.com
The people behind this website have done a tremendous job on gathering information about Ulsan. If you plan to visit make sure you head over to www.ulsanonline.com!

Dragon beard candy
my favorite is the one with nuts in it (not sure if those are peanuts) but definitely go for the nuts one.

–> This is the Asiatic Black Bear and I immediately fell in love with them. Look at those round ears (not like I said in the episode “round eyes” lol). The ears remind me of the Panda Bear’s ears. They are a highly endangered species here in Korea. That is why I am so happy to share with you the news that today there are up to 20 under protection in Jirisan national park

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/003-ten-reasons-why-you-have-to-love-korea/feed/0You have orders to come Korea or are already living here but don’t know much about the country and the abundance of exciting things to enjoy while being here? Then this episode is for you. I share ten reasons with you (although I could have gone on an...You have orders to come Korea or are already living here but don’t know much about the country and the abundance of exciting things to enjoy while being here? Then this episode is for you. I share ten reasons with you (although I could have gone on and on…) for why I fell in love […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean112Thank you for stopping by!http://tastyoldcabbage.com/anyongandwelcome/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/anyongandwelcome/#respondSat, 28 Sep 2013 12:07:48 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=108안녕 (Anyong)! Hello friend! Thank you for stopping by and welcome to the When in Korea… experience. Click on the picture to see our thank you message for you ————-> Jessy & Einstein

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/anyongandwelcome/feed/0108002 Top Ten Items To Bring/Ship To Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/002-top-ten-items-bringship-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/002-top-ten-items-bringship-korea/#respondFri, 27 Sep 2013 11:27:51 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=98In this episode we will talk about my list of top ten items to bring when moving to Korea. I hope it helps you with making a decision on what to bring and what not to bring. Also check out the blog post that I released earlier this month about it: http://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-top-ten-things-to-pack-for-your-new-duty-station-korea/ Enjoy! link to […]

Something I forgot to mention in the episode is that YES, indeed, out of the dishes we shipped only one cup broke during the move here. I was just referring to plates and glasses etc. However, unfortunately we have more damaged items, such as picture frames, Christmas decoration (especially ornaments for the tree), a lamp and other stuff. So please, if you only come for a year or two, consider to leave your high value items or, most importantly, items that are of sentimental value to you and that can break easily at home. I for example didn’t want to ship my grand father’s hat because I was worried it would break (He passed away and we kept some things of his which remind us of him. Among them is his hat.) So Chris, my husband, put it on his head during our day long travels to our new home. It arrived safely here in Korea.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/002-top-ten-items-bringship-korea/feed/0In this episode we will talk about my list of top ten items to bring when moving to Korea. I hope it helps you with making a decision on what to bring and what not to bring. Also check out the blog post that I released earlier this month about it: http...In this episode we will talk about my list of top ten items to bring when moving to Korea. I hope it helps you with making a decision on what to bring and what not to bring. Also check out the blog post that I released earlier this month about it: http://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-top-ten-things-to-pack-for-your-new-duty-station-korea/ Enjoy! link to […]Tasty Old Cabbageclean16:4898001 Intro + Expectationshttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/001-intro-expectations/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/001-intro-expectations/#commentsMon, 23 Sep 2013 01:28:51 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=77This is the first episode of the When in Korea… podcast and I am thrilled to put it out there for you. Always remember it’s all about the expectations. Small word, big meaning. Thank you so much for listening and enjoy! Jessy

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/001-intro-expectations/feed/9This is the first episode of the When in Korea… podcast and I am thrilled to put it out there for you. Always remember it’s all about the expectations. Small word, big meaning. Thank you so much for listening and enjoy! JessyThis is the first episode of the When in Korea… podcast and I am thrilled to put it out there for you. Always remember it’s all about the expectations. Small word, big meaning. Thank you so much for listening and enjoy! JessyTasty Old Cabbageclean14:5077Life is a podcasthttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/life-is-a-podcast/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/life-is-a-podcast/#respondWed, 18 Sep 2013 11:47:33 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=67I am working every minute on my podcast and it is incredibly exciting to see all the details coming together. I will get my intro and outro music before the weekend, which means the podcast will be up and running in less than a week. Fingers crossed that everything is going according to plan!

I am working every minute on my podcast and it is incredibly exciting to see all the details coming together. I will get my intro and outro music before the weekend, which means the podcast will be up and running in less than a week.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/life-is-a-podcast/feed/067The top ten things to pack for your new duty station Koreahttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-top-ten-things-to-pack-for-your-new-duty-station-korea/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-top-ten-things-to-pack-for-your-new-duty-station-korea/#respondThu, 12 Sep 2013 08:55:07 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=33You have your orders and are ready to pack up and move, now what to bring? I’ve been there. We were living in a small apartment in Kansas City before and weren’t as much concerned with whether things would fit into our new Korean home but more with what we should go buy before we […]

]]>You have your orders and are ready to pack up and move, now what to bring?

I’ve been there. We were living in a small apartment in Kansas City before and weren’t as much concerned with whether things would fit into our new Korean home but more with what we should go buy before we leave the States. However, I’ve learned a lot so far about what families wished they had brought with them and I want to share it with you in my list of top 10 things to bring.

01. Bring your own mattress
The housing office gave us furniture including a bed and a mattress, which was very hard and stiff. Whereas some people prefer that, I don’t. I was so happy when we got ours.

02. Bring all your 220v stuff (kitchen ware, hair dryer etc.) in case you have been stationed in Europe or other countries before, that use 220.

03. ElectronicsIf you hold off on the purchase of a new camera or another gadget. Don’t! Many people believe Korea is much cheaper than it really is (especially when it comes to electronics). If you find a good deal for your favorite DSLR camera at home, go get it in the States.

04. Unlocked phone
If you just got a new phone before you found out about your move to Korea then don’t worry, see if you can get it unlocked and you will be good to go here.

05. Ladies, bring the bras and panties!
If you are bigger than a size 6 or 8 or if you are small but have a bigger chest in general, go shopping to your favorite lingerie shop before your move to Korea and bring ‘em all along. Sure you can always order them online later or find some in the bigger PXs here, however, the selection is limited. In any case bring your “glamorous starter kit”.
If you are of a smaller build than you will be just fine here.

06. The same goes for shoes.
If you wear a size 8 or bigger then you won’t have much luck finding some here. Again, you can always go to the bigger PXs like the one in Yongsan (Seoul) or order them online, however, if you are particular about the style of your shoes. Bring all your favorite ones.
If you wear shoes smaller than size 8.5 you will have plenty shoes to choose from.

07. If you have small children or are expecting, bring the kid’s furniture. (Especially baby furniture). According to “The Seoul Survivor”, a guide published by the American Forces’ Spouses’ Club, the Furnishing Management Office does not have cribs, toddler beds, changing tables etc.

08. Don’t plan on bringing appliances; the housing office will provide washer, dryer, refrigerators, dishwasher etc. If you leave appliances in storage make sure they are stored properly, so they don’t rust or get moldy over the time you are here in Korea.

09. BikesIf you have bicycles, bring them. (Bring helmets too, you’ll need them here. Koreans are interesting drivers and not very used to bicycles on the road.) Koreans love hiking, walking and biking by the river. They have built trails by the river for walking and biking. Also you might live very close to base and only have one car, then a bicycle comes in handy. Your husband could bike to work if you need the car to go on a longer drive.

10. Bring your rugs
Floors are generally not covered with carpet here in Korea. So if you like the cozy feeling of walking on a soft rug, then make sure to bring yours.

An extra but important side note:Leave some stuff at home!

Now this has to be one of the most important advices I can give you: Leave some stuff at home!
Generally speaking, the apartments here are small and don’t offer storage space (like a basement room for bikes or boxes). That being said, if you currently live in a house and have it fully furnished then you probably don’t want to bring all of the furniture, since you most likely will end up in a smaller place. Think about which furniture items you can’t live without and leave the rest in storage.

To finish this post, it’s needless to say to make sure to bring the stuff that makes you and your family happy.

I for example brought my shell decoration and my lotus flower shell candleholder, as well as the antique wine glass ‘balloon’ from Germany. I also brought my colorful filing system from home, the rug that our dog loves to hang out on and many other small decoration items and kitchen stuff that remind me of our last duty station or important places and times in our lives. It’s the little things that make us happy and make our new home cozy.

From favorite pictures and your traditional Christmas table set to the can’t-live-without-crafting- tools for the passionate ‘crafties’ among us, BRING IT!

Not only that holiday decoration items and craft supply stores are harder to come by here, it is also important for us to bring what’s dear to our hearts.
In this very new, very different environment it is essential to create a feel good home for our loved ones and us.

]]>http://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-top-ten-things-to-pack-for-your-new-duty-station-korea/feed/033the upcoming podcast and Ihttp://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-upcoming-podcast-and-i/
http://tastyoldcabbage.com/the-upcoming-podcast-and-i/#commentsThu, 12 Sep 2013 08:53:19 +0000http://tastyoldcabbage.com/?p=55Hi – So great you stopped by! My name is Jessy, I am a newly wed who married into the Army, a media fanatic, writer and researcher by trade, a passionate culture explorer and currently stationed in South Korea. When I graduated from high school I packed my bags to leave my hometown in Germany and […]

My name is Jessy, I am a newly wed who married into the Army, a media fanatic, writer and researcher by trade, a passionate culture explorer and currently stationed in South Korea.

When I graduated from high school I packed my bags to leave my hometown in Germany and since then they never got unpacked again.

Over the past ten years I have lived and worked in 5 different countries and Korean will be the sixth language I plan to master (Shamelessly showing off my talent for languages. Note: Please be impressed right now…Okay done.)

The WHY and what it has to do with who I am

Before I came here I had tons of questions about the country, the culture and life in South Korea in general. I simply wished I would have had someone who could just talk to me about Korea and give me an insight on what life is like there. That’s why I started this podcast and blog.

I am learning each day about life here, becoming an entrepreneur and about my new life as a military wife. My world has once again turned upside down, but this time I want to take you along for my journey.

My goal is to learn as much about this country as possible, to share it with you and to make my and your (!) stay an amazing one.

I want to help at least one person with the information I share. May it be with the decision to come here (or even with the decision not to), with adjusting to life in South Korea or with entertaining those who have already lived here for quite some time.

I will share my experiences, research and personal views on life in Korea with you. This site is not related to the US Army in any way. It is a personal and passionate project with a lot of love for CULTURE, LIFE, the MEDIA and the MILITARY FAMILY.

Who is this podcast for?

Well, by now you know that I am an Army wife so naturally this podcast provides lots of information specifically of interest for my courageous fellow families in boots.

However, it’s an open house. Everyone who wants to know what life is like here and who wants to learn more about the country has come to the right place and will benefit from the podcast.

No risk no fun

Have I done such a podcast project before? Nope. (I plan one in German but that is a different story.) Honestly, I am a little intimated about taking on such a project. There is always the risk of failing expectations. However, “no risk – no fun!” right?

I am putting this project together because I believe there is a real need for an entertaining and positive way to inform our military families and everyone who wants to come live here about South Korea and prepare them in a way for what to expect.

It’s not easy and sunny here all the time. I know that from experience, however, I am convinced that this country CAN be an amazing experience for a lot of people (not for all, unfortunately). I want to help with that while I personally live life in Korea, learn about the culture and make my first steps into the blogging and podcasting sphere. All this I will share in real time with you.

Oh and have I mentioned that I LOVE doing this anyway?

Support and goals

By following my blog and subscribing to my podcast you help me reach my goal: to help others and give my passion for Korea, real life experiences and media a meaningful and entertaining outlet.

Let’s see how much I will learn about this country, how many people I can help, entertain, get together and how many podcast episodes will get produced.

Where this project leads me to, I don’t know yet, but I am determined to find out.

If you like what I do please subscribe to my podcast in iTunes (here: www.tastyoldcabbage.com/wik/itunes), leave an iTunes review, follow my blog or come over to Facebook and join me there.

Your support will help me reach more people and share the message.
Long live the Kimchi!